Cannabis Lifestyle

Michael "Meeko" Thompson . . . Time Honored for Time Done

By Dianne Armitage

The media has turned its 24/7 attention in Brittney Griner’s direction over the past few months, lamenting her imprisonment in Russia for a cannabis-related infraction. Granted, even her celebrity has not caused them to maintain a laser focus on her plight, but nearly everyone has been wringing their hands because they find it unconscionable that she has been held since late last year.

Now imagine what it would be like to spend 25 years in prison for selling three pounds of pot. That is how much time Michael Thompson spent, and had it not been for the Last Prisoner Project as well as the continued efforts of individuals dedicated to getting him released, he could have spent the remainder of his life behind bars, since his conviction allowed for up to 60 years of confinement.

Thompson, now 71, was convicted in the late 1990s for selling marijuana to an informant, triggering a search of his home, where officials found weapons. The weapons included antiques, and most were locked in a gun safe. Because of prior non-violent drug convictions, he was sentenced to up to 15 years for the drug charges and 42 to 60 years for firearm possession charges. He would have been 87 at his earliest possible release date in 2038.

The Cannabis Caucus and other marijuana advocacy groups got the attention of Attorney General Dana Nessel who called Thompson’s sentence “egregiously disproportionate” especially given the fact that marijuana is now legal in Michigan. In December 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer granted clemency to Thompson. He was released on January 28, 2021.

Much to his credit, Michael did not spend time looking back in anger. During a recent phone interview, it became obvious he remains true to his nature, faith, and moral compass, having left prison determined to help others. Thompson is dedicated to being a voice for the incarcerated people he was with and an advocate for prison reform, paying particular attention to nonviolent cases like his that result in decades of punishment.

Currently working with Cresco Labs SEED™ (Social Equity & Education Development™) program Michael has a platform to develop tangible pathways into the cannabis industry for communities impacted by the War on Drugs through restorative justice, community business incubation, and education and workforce development.

He is now focused on promoting the Clio Award-winning documentary short film, The Sentence of Michael Thompson, which premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on March 9th of this year. The film highlights Michael’s plight while examining the harm the War on Drugs has wrought, exploring possible new ways forward as national cannabis legalization gets closer to becoming a reality. Thompson is duly proud that this is the first documentary short film on the topic of social and criminal justice reform and cannabis decriminalization.

At a recent film festival, Chima Enyia, EVP of SEED at Cresco Labs elaborated, “Unfortunately, one of the themes central to Michael’s story is not unique; several hundred thousand Americans, predominantly Black and Latinx, continue to be arrested on marijuanarelated charges every year. Over 40,000 people suffer in prison because of cannabisrelated convictions at this very moment. We hope to help audiences truly understand the gravity of injustice on the lives of people adversely impacted by The War on Drugs and advance the dialogue surrounding racial and social justice to help change our nation’s drug laws.”

It is apparent Michael understands and honors the efforts of others on his behalf, quick to point out how they helped him. His tone is somewhat reverential when he talks about how profoundly the untiring support of Shaun King, Michigan’s Attorney General.

Dana Nessel, The Last Prisoner Project, Dee Dee Kirkwood, celebrities, and everyday people not only gave him hope but ultimately, made his release a reality.

“I hope my legacy will be that I turned a lot of young people’s lives around,” Thompson shares, “I will feel like I did my part if I’m able to get a lot of people who don’t deserve to be in prison out. I want to make sure young people know that getting an education is the key because the lessons the streets teach you are not the answer.”

He continues, “I hope that cannabis becomes legal nationwide. Just think of the good the taxes would do for stuff like building schools.”

And yes, he does have an opinion on the Brittney Griner situation, saying, “I’m all for having her released, but I feel like they shouldn’t be able to pick and choose who gets out. Everyone currently held on a non-violent, marijuana-related charge should be released.”

Michael Thompson after serving the longest non-violent cannabis sentence in the history of Michigan. #mtfree.2021

Michael having what he calls a “Thanking God moment”

More About Last Prisoner Project . . .

The Last Prisoner Project was founded in 2019 out of the belief that no one should remain incarcerated for cannabis offenses.

They brought together a group of justice-impacted individuals, policy and education experts, and leaders in the worlds of criminal justice and drug policy reform to work to end the fundamental injustice that is America’s policy of cannabis prohibition.

Their dedicated team works tirelessly to achieve their goal of freeing the tens of thousands of individuals still unjustly imprisoned for cannabis.

Make your voice heard! Last Prisoner Project is calling on President Biden to deliver bold action and immediate relief by granting clemency to the thousands of people incarcerated due to, otherwise still burdened by, federal cannabis-related convictions.

Their plan gives the Biden-Harris Administration a stepby-step guide to effectuating class-wide cannabis clemency effort in an efficient, effective and secure manner. The proposal, which draws inspiration from the clemency efforts of past Presidents, would help us build a more just and equitable America.

For more information on the Last Prisoner Project and how you can get involved, visit their website at lastprisonerproject.com.